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Dr Isioma Okolo Raises Alarm Over Beauty Product Risks for Women in Lagos

Emerging research links common cosmetics to hormonal health concerns as experts urge regulatory scrutiny and public awareness

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Emerging research links common cosmetics to hormonal health concerns as experts urge regulatory scrutiny and public awareness

Concerns over the health impact of everyday beauty products have been brought to the fore in Lagos, as Dr Isioma Okolo highlighted possible risks associated with repeated use of certain cosmetics on Thursday. The discussion, which focused on the long-term effects of chemical exposure among Nigerian women, comes amidst growing calls for improved regulation and public sensitisation.

Beauty salons across Lagos and other urban centres remain busy every weekend, with women opting for hair relaxing, braiding, colouring and various skin treatments. However, Dr Okolo noted that while these products are meant to enhance appearance, emerging studies indicate they may contribute to hormonal imbalances and other health issues when used frequently over time.

The issue has gained urgency as more Nigerian women report experiencing skin irritations and unexplained symptoms linked to cosmetic use. Health professionals warn that certain ingredients found in some imported and locally manufactured products could have cumulative effects, especially with regular application. “Many of these substances are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and may disrupt natural hormone levels,” Dr Okolo said during a public forum in Ikeja.

Despite mounting evidence from recent research, regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC are yet to issue fresh guidelines on ingredient safety or conduct large-scale product testing. Some consumer advocates argue that existing policies do not adequately address newer chemicals now present in popular brands. “Women need to be better informed about what they are applying daily,” Dr Okolo emphasised, calling for stricter monitoring and increased education campaigns.

Experts say further investigation is needed into the specific health outcomes tied to these products in Nigerian contexts. In the meantime, both medical practitioners and advocacy groups encourage users to scrutinise labels carefully and seek professional advice before choosing personal care items.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/what-everyday-beauty-products-may-be-doing-to-nigerian-womens-health/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Contestant Loye Sacked from MasterChef Nigeria After Black Apron Jollof Rice Challenge

Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

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5 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Judges faulted Loye’s dish for not making jollof rice the star; Top 5 now set for next round

The MasterChef Nigeria competition took a dramatic turn in Lagos on Thursday as contestant Loye was sacked from the show after struggling in the high-stakes Jollof Rice Feast challenge. The episode, which aired on 20 June 2026, saw the remaining six contestants compete under intense scrutiny from the judges during Black Apron Day.

Contestants were instructed to prepare a feast inspired by two regions of Nigeria, with jollof rice required to be the centrepiece of their plate. The judges assessed each entry based on flavour, regional identity, execution and how well the signature Nigerian dish was highlighted. Loye, who had previously shown promise in earlier rounds, admitted dissatisfaction with his final presentation before the panel delivered their verdict.

After tasting all six entries, the judges observed that while Loye’s meal showed some potential, it failed to meet the challenge’s core requirement of making jollof rice the hero of the dish. This shortcoming ultimately cost him his place among the Top 5 contestants. The exit marks another milestone in a season that has kept Nigerian viewers engaged with regional culinary creativity and fierce competition.

MasterChef Nigeria has continued to grow in popularity since its launch, offering a platform for talented home cooks to showcase their skills and celebrate Nigerian cuisine. The show’s focus on regional inspiration has resonated with audiences across various states, reinforcing jollof rice as a unifying dish in national food culture.

With Loye’s departure, five contestants now remain in contention for this year’s title and its lucrative prize package. The next episode will see them tackle another regional food challenge as they vie for a place in the finals.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/loye-exits-masterchef-nigeria-after-tough-jollof-rice-challenge/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll

Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

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25 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.

According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.

The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.

A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.

With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889183-sdp-denies-withdrawal-rumours-confirms-isaac-alade-still-in-ekiti-governorship-race.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab

Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

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35 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert

An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.

The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.

The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.

Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.

The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/iranian-singer-sentenced-to-74-strokes-of-cane-and-other-penalties-for-performing-without-hijab-2026062007211385817

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